The three-day Wireless Festival has been canceled after UK authorities revoked Kanye West’s electronic travel authorization, preventing him from entering the country, organizers Festival Republic a division of Live Nation Entertainment announced.
In a statement, organizers said the UK Home Office withdrew Ye’s ETA, leaving them no choice but to cancel the event and issue full refunds. They added that multiple stakeholders had been consulted before booking him and that no concerns were raised at the time, while emphasizing that antisemitism is unacceptable and acknowledging its impact.
The decision follows mounting pressure on the government to ban Ye from the UK amid ongoing controversy over his past remarks and actions. Earlier Tuesday, the artist said he was willing to meet members of the UK Jewish community and expressed a desire to promote “unity, peace, and love,” while acknowledging that change must be demonstrated through actions.
Criticism had intensified after the festival declined calls from politicians and community leaders to remove him as headliner. Keir Starmer and senior Labour figures, including Wes Streeting, had publicly opposed his appearance.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews said it would require clear evidence of genuine remorse before supporting any engagement, with its president Phil Rosenberg stating that any meeting should not be tied to a festival performance.
